In Development

1. The Schistosoma mansoni screen is being adapted to automated-image analysis to increase throughput. The work is being done in collaboration with the San Francisco State University Computer Science Department.
   
2. HTS-compatible assays for both Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania donovani in host macrophages are being optimized. These assays utilize an automated fluorescence microscope to evaluate the bioactivity of cidal compounds, with high throughput and high information content. The first goal of our HTP-drug assay is to facilitate screening compound libraries against the intracellular amastigote stage of Trypanosoma cruzi and select potential trypanocidal drugs. We will next develop a similar assay for Leishmania donovani amastigotes in macrophages. For this purpose, we have developed a simple protocol using the InCell Analyzer 1000 imaging system (GE Healthcare Life Sciences) to automate screening of cell culture plates. The high content software provides a quantiative measurement of parasite growth.
3. To complete screens of drugs approved for human use, Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania donovani, and Schistosoma mansoni are all being rescreened against a library donated by IconixBiosciences. Combining results of this screen with the Microsource library will cover the vast majority of drugs approved for human use.
4. An HTS-compatible assay for Giardia lamblia has been developed and the library of known kinase inhibitors is currentle being screened.